Low income families adds to high homelessness numbers
Posted Nov 2, 2018 07:52:57 AM.
Last Updated Nov 3, 2018 11:30:28 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS)–There’s a new study that suggests a basic reason behind this country’s homelessness: high rents and low incomes.
According to the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy–while addictions and mental illness can be a contributing factor– the majority of those using homeless shelters do so because they are poor.
Author Ron Kneebone says every level of government has a role to play here.
“City governments can stop closing trailer parks, these are where people with limited income tend to live, but the city continues to close trailer parks, which is really unfortunate,” said Kneebone.
Kneebone adds that an affordable-housing strategy focused on helping those most at risk could go a considerable way toward relieving stress on social agencies and provincial governments.